Indicating system



Jan. 8,.-1946. J. N. ANDERSON ET AL 2,392,355

INDICATING SYSTEM Filed Oct. 10, 1942 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 T0 FIG. a--- E I IE 5 INVENTORS 1., J. N. ANDERSON 3 BY R. HOOVER ATTORNEY Jan. 8, 1946. J. N. ANDERSON ETAL 2,392,355

INDICATING' SYSTEM Filed Oct. 10, 1942 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 --TO FIG. 3

WRIT E-UP, ELAN K- OUT SWITCH 09 'MS HOLVOIGNI INDICATOR SETTING SWITCHES 617' MS HOLVOIGNI 91? "MS HOLVO ICIN I (\l INVENTORS J. N. ANDERSON 0 BY R4 HOOY E R E mam ATTORNEY Jan. 8, 1946.

J. N. ANDERSON El AL INDICATING SYSTEM Filed on. 10, 1942 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 sac-rum I LINES MULTI- PLED TO ALL GROUP 2 BOARDS SECTION 2 TO BOARD s SECTION 3 In 2. [L

TO BOARD I 0 LINES MULTI- PLED TO ALL GROUP I BOARDS TO BOARD 2 SECTION 4 SECTION 5 SECTION 6 0 FIG.

FIG. 5

N 0: OP

FIG. 3

N n mo A/IY fi TEH N D x m .0 WNH M FIG.

FIG. 6 FIG.I

Jan. 8, 1946. N RS ETAL 2,392,355

' INDICATING SYSTEM Filed Oct. 10, 1942 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. 4

TOFIG. 5.

, INVENTORS J. N.AND ERSON RHOOYER ATTORNEY Jan. 8, 1946. J. N. ANDERSON ETAL 2,392,355

INDICATING SYSTEM File? Oct. 10, 1942 '7 Shee'ts- -Sheet 5 TO FIG. 4 7 llLEVE VEL 5 ROW SELECTOR SW. 35

ROW SELECTOR SW. 36

E INVENTORS' 2 FIG. 5 ,1. N.ANDERSON BY R.HOO'VER ATTORNEY Jan. 8, 1946.

- ,J. N. ANDERSON ETAL INDICATING SYSTEM Filed Oct. v 10, 1942 FIG. 7

'7 Sheets-Sheet 6 BOARD PHASING LAMPS GROUP Kl K7 GROUP-l 3 ALL BOARDS WRITE-UP BLANK-OUT :0: K2 K8 :Q:

:0: K3 K9 :Q:

GROUP SWITCH WRITE-UP SWITCH :0: K4 I mocQ: qpgl 3-20 '4 CO2! K5 KIIIZOZI '5 U U M :Q): K6 K1220: l8 L-N-R L-N-R ROW SELECTOR KEYS ROW SELECTOR START INDICATOR START z 0 A z A A Flt-24 Y a Y a Y Z .a w c c c v D D D u E E 1- F F s s e R H Q J P N M L K v INDICATOR SETTING DIALS GROUND PULSE PULSE 2 PULSE 3 BLACK YELLO INVENTORS J. N. ANDERSON R. HOOVER J. N. ANDERSON ETAL INDICATING SYSTEM Filed Oct. 10, 1942 'r Sheets- -Sheet 7 FIG.8

RELAY COMPARTMENT ROTARY swncH COMPARTMENT ROW 29 I I ROW |lf l@ E|ToE!E|El mmUTon'n-n1 ZIQIEIUTOEIEIEJ unmwuuua 3E1 unwla m n on awn-[1119 4IEIEDUTOE'UU mil: Dwain 11.0

snnmmnmn nummnnuq.

suummumm m'un unmm INVENTORS J. N ANDERSON R. HOOVER ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 8, 1946 INDICATING SYSTEM James N. Anderson, North Plainfield, and Ray Hoover, Plainfield, N. J., assignors to The Western Union Telegraph Company,

New

York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application October 10, 1942, Serial No. 461,534

Claims.

failure of some of the usual channels or from failure of all of the usual channels. In such instancesit is desirable that part or all of the business normally conducted over certain=channels be directed to other channels, and it is further desirable that the equipment attendants be visually notified of such-changes in routing.

An object of the present invention is to provide an indicating system made up of a plurality of boards each having a plurality of indicating members arranged in rows of banks, each member having indicia thereon which can be moved selectively into register with the windows in the boards, together with control equipment for causing movement of members in sequence in a selected bank of a desired row.

Another objectof thev invention is to provide,

in a system of the foregoing character, means "for moving the indicia members progressively in response to impulses applied serially until the desired setting is reached.

Anotherobject of the invention is to provide, in a system in accordance with the foregoing, mechanism for selecting a combination'of boards, the-movable members of corresponding banks of which are to be actuated in predetermined fashion.

Another object of the invention is to provide, in such indicating systems, mechanism for selectinga bank-of movable members to be connected to a source-of impulses for actuating such members.

A further object of the invention is to provide,

completion of actuation of all members having indicia thereon in a selected bank.

Another'object of :the invention is to provide means whereby the mechanism controlling actua- ItiOll of the indicia members can beoperated to cause movement of such members to selected variable settings, or can be operated to move such members from any combination of settings to their individual similar starting positions.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a master row and bankselector switch controlling selector switches at the indicator boards in such fashion that the master switch and the board switches of a chosen combinationof boards can be operated to move in unison.

An additional object of the invention is to provide manuallyoperated auxiliary means whereby the master selector switch can be actuated independently of the board switches; manually operated auxiliary means for actuating the board switches of a group in unison independently of the master switch; and manually operated auxiliary means for actuating the selector switches of aboard independently of the switches at other boards and of the master switch.

Incarrying out the foregoing and other objects of the invention, the equipment used in an indiin an indicating system as previously described,

, means whereby one memberof a selected bank is actuated to a desired setting before the next member is actuated, with the actuation of the automatically restoredto initiallposition at-the eating system'as previously described comprises a number of indicating boards, eachof which has a plurality of rows of indicating members preferably arranged in banks with windows in front of each indicator member so thatindicia thereon can be visible through the window. The boards may be strategically positioned relative to the equipment in a switching center so that attendants of this equipment can determine at any given time whether normal channels of communicationare to be used'in a particular instance or whether business intended for such channels should be routed over other channels. The pluralityof indicator members are controlled from a central station which is usually located at the supervisor's station in the switching center, provision being made for automatically accomplishing the posting of information either by groups of boards or by posting all of the boards simul-- taneously. The grouping of theboards can be arranged in relation to the equipment at the switching .center so that, while some equipment will be used for transacting business over the normal channels, other equipment may be used for routing business from normal channels-to other vchannels.

The control station has associated therewith a master switch for selecting the partioula'r'bank of a desired row in which information is to be posted, such master switch controlling similar switches located at the individual boards. In ad In the operation of this system power switches dition, the control station has associated therewith switching mechanism for determining certain combinations of boards to beposted at any time, such as groupsof boards separately, or all boards of the system simultaneously. The control station in addition has counting rotary switches of a number corresponding to the number f indicating members in a, bank, which counting switches can be connected to indicatorsettingfj switches which are operated to select the setting trolled thereby in such fashion that-impulses, under the control of relays at the various boards, can be 'applied selectively to the movable indicator .members of a bank inlsequence. Thus,

' desired in each movable member'of a bank. In- 'termittent impulses can be jsuppilied,to actuate the master row' selector switch andthe counting switches as well as certain relays which are 'con- 1 while one memberof a bank is .being actuated,

to the desiredsetting, .eachiand every othermember-of this bank remains stationary, due to the control exercised over thesource of impulses for moving the indicator members, but provision is made for transfe'rring this control from. one in-' dicator member (through the agency of the counting switches) to the next indicator member as soon as a preceding indicatormemb'er has indicator members, i. e.,

variable positions, is under the ;control of switch 7 mechanism which has :a' second'position, i. e.,

blank-but position, used when it is desired that boards previously posted be returned to initial or blank position; vWhensuch movementis to I be accomplished, the indicator members are again actuated individually inrsequence, provision being made for arresting movement-of each indicatori a soo as, it; reac es. its in tia o b a posi ion without interfering with' -the normaloperation of r the counter switches associated therewith, again with transfer of th impulse control'from, one

switch to the next and from one indicator mem her to the next as the initial starting position oi a preceding member is reached,-

; Signal lamps are provided at the control sta-' tion for indicating to the operator or. supervisor, certain conditions, such as synchronismor phase ,1

or" board selector switches, as well as the master selector switch, completion of selection by the apparatusoi abankin a row, and completion of amovement oi indicatormembers in a selected bank. Initially all selector switches should be at'their starting or homepositions, and when such condition prevails. the lampassociated with the master switch will be illuminated as well as the individual lamps associated with the various boards.

Shouldany. or all'lof these lamps be dark at the, beginningofa posting,.that condi-,

tion is a true indication that the selector switches 7' must be synchronized and means are provided whereby the master switch can be independently operated until its indicating lamp is illuminated ,the switches of the boards-ofa group can1be stepped around until they are at home position;

'or the selector switchesof any board can be manually operated until they are in properisyn- .chronizationp;

I I i.1.;. 3.;.:

: cator members; j

are turned to the on position at 'all boards and then the main power switch is thrown to on position. If all selector switch lamps are illuminated, the system is ready for posting, but if any of these lamps be dark the switches must be phased or synchronized in a manner to be explained later. After all switch lamps ar lighted, the combination of boards to be posted is chosen, 1, e., group 1, group 2, or all boards, and then the row of indicators to be posted is'chosen by movement of the key switch of that row to the left, which also selects the left bank of that row. The selector starting switch is actuated, starting the master selector switch and the board selector switches to stepping in unison until they reach their points corresponding to the selected bank, at which time the lamp above the selector starting switch is energized. During this stepping operation the supervisor may adjust the setting dials or switches to the letters to be posted on theindicators. If various letters are, desired the 'write-up switch is moved to write-up position,

and after the lamp just mentioned shows comshowing that posting has been completed. The

same key switch may then be moved to the right, selection of the right bank made as before, the dials set'for desired letters, and then the indicators of the right bank moved'to positions correspondin to the dial setting, as set forth above.

To blank-out an existing setting of the two 7 banks of a row,.the sameprocedure is followed; however, with the 'write-up switch thrown to blank-out position, and the result will be a, return of indicators to their initial or blank positions. I

Certain automatic operations of .the selector and counting switches and relays associated therewith will be explained in the detaileddescription of the system and its mechanism;

Other features, objects'and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive; collectivelyjrepresent a schematic circuit diagram, of an indicating systernembodylng the'invention'with such circuits traced thereon as are. ilficessary for a-complete or station showing the row of selector switches, I group switch. write-up switch, indicator setting V dials, and various signal lamps; Fig. 8 is a front elevation of one of the indi cator boards showing the rows of banks of indi- Fig. 9 is a schematic circuit diagramsof the motor utilized'in connection with each of the indicator members;

Fig. lo is'a showing Substantially infthe nature: V

--of a plan .view of the top of an indicatordtum with contacts associated therewith: and

Fig; 11 is a circuit diagram of the indicator motors of a bank with their leads connected row of light or lamps at the top thereof, thirteen in number, of which the first fourare numbered consecutively, the next two are blank, and the next seven are again numbered consecutively. This control panel was originally designed to handle an installation incorporating twelve indicator boards, but in the arrangement actually used in practice only ten boards are employed. These boards are connected in two groups, specifled group 1 and group 2, with the lamps I to 4, inclusivaf associated with the respective boards I -to4 of group 1 and the lamps 8 to l3, inclusive, associated with the respective boards to ID, inclusive, comprising group v2. The lamp 1 serves as a signal lamp in a manner to be described later.

Also in this panel is located a group switch which has three positions, as shown by the pointer, such pointer being movable to indicate I either group 1, group 2, or in the third position all of the boards, 1. e., both groups 1 and 2.

Twelve three-position key switches numbered consecutively KI to Kl2, inclusive, are positioned on the panel, each of such key switcheshaving a normal or .median position, as shown, and being movable either to the left or right to select sets of indicators in a manner to be described later. A write-up switch opposite the group switch is provided, such switch being movable either to write-up position or to blank-out position. A

signal lamp I4 is positioned immediately above a switch I8, while a second signal lamp I5 is positioned above another switch I9. Three indicator dials are shown at the bottom of the panel, such dials having twenty-tour settings thereon, which settings correspond to twenty- .three letters of the alphabet (letters I, .O and X- having been omitted), and a blank point, or dot,

.50 positioned that thepointer of the dial is in vertical position. when aligned therewith.

Located at one side of the board is a toggle switch 20 with push button switches 2| and 22 on opposite sides thereof. vAlsoon the side .of the panel is a third push button switch 24. The purpose of these various switches will be described in connection with the explanation of the circuits employed in connection therewith.

Indicator board and drum motor Fig. 8 represents an indicator board of which, as before mentioned, the present installation employs ten, four in one group and six in another dow on a vertical axis is mounted a rotatable on which appeantwenty-three letters of iii the alphabet and a blank. Theseletters are spaced 15 apart around the drum and in horizontal disposition, Each drum is mounteddirectly on the motor shaft of an "impulse motor so constructed that it is capable of rotation through 15 upon the application of each of a series of impulses. A complete alphabet drum has not been illustrated *herein, but numerous windows 29 on Board I have been shown-as being occupied by various letters of the alphabet.

A partial showing of a motor for rotating an alphabet drum has been made in ig. 9"W 1'e it will be-seen that the shaft S has a rotor thereon provided with eight teeth (numbered 1 to 8) spaced apart at their radial center lines substantially 45". The stator of this motor consist of a continuous ring-25 of magnetic-iron and six field poles with their windings evenly spaced around the inside so that their inside ends almost touch 'poles A. Consequently, if these poles are energized, they will tend to hold the rotor in the position shown; If the poles B are then energized, teeth 2 and 6'will be drawn into alignment therewith, advancing the rotor 15. If the poles Care next energized, teeth 3 and I, previously advanced, will be drawn into alignment therewith, again advancing the rotor 15, and upon the resumption of energization of the poles in sequence A,

B and C continued advance of the rotor, each time through an angle of 15", will beaccomplished. Each pair of poles has a feed line, and

each in turn is connected to ground. For the purpose of aiding in understanding the circuit operations in connection with the individual motors hereinafter to be set forth, the supply line of pair A has been given the legend Green, that of pair B the legend Red, that of pair C the legend Yellow, and the ground connection or which stud is designed to open a contact between a spring finger 2'] and a stationary finger 28 when the alphabet drum is positioned with the blank thereon in line with. window 29 .in .the indicator panel. The two contactsfl and 28 are connected in the circuit of the system in a manner to be described later.

.LA.further showing of circuit connections to the threemotors located in a group at either side of .each individual rowhas been shown in Fig. 11,

and from this figure it will be seen that the contacts 28 of each motor have a common line extendingto 'relay' 44, while each contact 21 hasa lead directedalongwith" the leads green,'red and yellow of each motor to selector switches. The black leads of each motor are connected together and extend to ground.

.Alsoat'the'bottomof Board I (Fig. 8) is power .switch 30,1 toggle switch 3|, two push button switches Hand 34 and two lamps -16 and I! associatedwiththe respective switches 32 and -34.

. likewise beenomitted.

: how. and bank selector switches I Located within a compartment labeled Rotary switch compartmentibehind board .I is a pair of row and bank selector switches 35 and 36 (Fig; Each switch has six levels with the wipers of each level mounted on a common shaft and moving in unison so that in effect the six levels constitute a single switch. For purposes of economy ofsp'ac e, thesix levels of the 'two switches have been shown in Fig. 5 as being in pairs of threelevels with single magnets or wiper actuators M35 fand M36 supplied m the respective switches. Eacl'i level. of each switch is provided with twenty-five contact "points, it beingunderstood that pointf represents the home position for the ;wiper of each level. The two six-level indicator motors in each row of a board. Similar 7 points of thejtwo switches provide twelve circuits to the three left handjmotorsln a row, while the next similar pointsfof these twelve levels provide circuits to the three right hand motors of a row.

switches are. used to provide circuits for. the six The No. 1 points and No. 2 points are connected to'the meters in "rowII' with the No. 3 and No. 4

points connected to motors in row 2, and 0n through the series until points 23 and 24 of the row I have been shown near the top thereof, while thesixmotors in row I2 have been shown below the first group, it being understood that the mo tors of the interveningrows have been omitted V along with their circuit connections to the various 'points .of the twelve levelsof the two row selector switches...

: As an example of the connections just men- 7 tioned, it will be noted by reference to Figs. 4 and 5 that points I of levels I, 2, 3 and 4 of selector 1 switch are connected tothe left hand indicator w I motor of the left hand bank of row I by the conduetors; 37, 38, 39 and 45, respectively. In like manner contact points No.1 of the fifth and sixth V 7 levels of selector switch 35 and contact points I of levels 'I and 2 of selector switchtfi are. 0011-" nected' to the middle motor of the left hand bank i of row I; J Similarly, contact points No. 1 of levels 3, 1, Sands of selector switch'36 are connected to theright hand motor of the left bank of row 'i., ln these figures contact points No. 2 of corresponding selector switches are connected to the "three motorsof the right hand bank in row I, while contact points. 23 are connected tothe three motor'sin the left hand bank of row l2, and points 24 of the switchesare connected to the-three Y motorsjof the right hand bank in row I2. As before mentioned, the intervening rows .of indicatormotors have been omitted, and consequently the connections between them'and the intervening contact points on the selector switches have A numberof relays 'are mountedin the relay compartment in Board I, such relays being numbered ll, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 5|,52 and 53. The purpose of these relays and their. operation in 7 connection with other parts of the mechanism will be described in the explanation of the 'schem atic circuit diagram hereinafter.

V j Gjroup stuitch f t The group switch shown on the. panel in'Fig. 7 has been illustrated. diagrammatically in Fig. .3

of the drawings wherein it will be seen that this jswitch is a multi-section switch, being composed 1 of six'-sections. Each section has three contact 7 twelve levelsare connectedto the six .motors' in row- I2. "InFig. 4, the'six'motors representing wipers or movable pointers, each of which is movable selectively .over a set of three points. All' of thewipers are'mounted on a common shaft for movement in unison so that at any instantveach pointer will be in'engagement with a corresponding point in each set of each section. The contact points and pointers of the various sets are so wired in the circuits of thissystem that, when a movable pointer of one set is in engagement with the upper point of its-set, that point is includedin circuit for operation of all boards or, r

in other words, the upper point of each set corresponds to the No. 3 position of the group switch (Fig. 7), while the center point of each set corresponds to the'No. 2 position of the group switch indicator, and the lower point of each set corresponds to the group 1 position of the indicator of the group switch. a a

71 Write-up and blank-out switch I The write-up switch shown in Fig. 7 is constructed in the manner illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawings wherein it will be seen that this switch has a number of pointers or wipers, all

mounted on a common shaft for movement in unison to select individually either, one of two contact points for ccmpletingor breaking desired circuits. When these pointers are moved to uppermostc'ontact closing position, the switch is in the blank-out position, while the lowermost points represent the write-up position.

Associated with the panel of Fig. 7 is a master row and bank selector switch 47 (Fig, 2) and three indicator counting switches numbered respectively 48,49 and 50, .The four switches 41' to 50, inclusive, are of the twenty-five contact type with contact N o; 25 in each case representing the home position of its respective switch.

1 An impulse unit 54 is provided for the mechanism, such unit being shown in Fig. 1 as being made up of two spaced disc-like members 55' and 56 eccentrically mounted on a shaft driven by a suitable motor (not shown). The two discs 55 and 56 have pairs of circuit closing contacts assoi ciated therewith so that each disc in the course of a complete revolution closes two pairs of cont acts, one side of each pair leading to battery.

. Convenientlt located behind the panel of Fig.

7 is a group of relays numbered respectively 51, 58, BI,.62, 63,1I,12,l3, 8I,'82, 83, SI, 92-and93. The function of these various relays will be de- 0f' indicating that either side of the common source used in this system can -be grounded with various circuits completed between the ungrounded side and ground. ,Likewise, ground points have been'supplied at frequent intervals throughout the system.

Phasing or synchronizing selector switches In the operation of this indicating system it is necessary to move eachpower switch 30 at each indicator board to closed position, thereby supplying ower to the board, and this switch may be .left closed'during operation of the system. However, the main power switch (not shown) at the icentral: panel should be switchedon only immediately; .prior to; a w-rite-up-or blank-out operation and switched ofi upon the completion of such operations. When service is initiated on the system, it is necessary as a preliminary step to ascertain: whether all stepping switches of the system aresynchronized or in phase or, in other words, whether every wiperof each switch is-in contact with a similar point thereon; Inasmuch as the row and bank selector switches at the control panel and at the individual indicator boards are of the. type which home on point 25,- means are provided for readily determining whether this condition exists. When the main power. switch is turned on at the board, one immediate result is the energization of relay 9| with a circuit extending from battery at that relay through conductor 53 to thesecond right break contact of relay BI and thence to ground. Due to the. energization of relay 9|, a circuit is closed from ground at its second make contact through the third set of section 5 of the group switch, conductor 63, through relay 4! and to battery adjacent thereto, energizing relay 4!. This circuit is established if the group switch is set at either position 1 or position 3, selecting all boards, or only group 1 boards. If the group switch isat position 2, then a relay corresponding to relay M will pick up at all group 2 boards.

Assuming that the. group switch is in No. 3 position, all the phasing lamp l to 4,. inclusive, of group- 1 indicator boards and lamps 8 to 13, inclusive, oi group 2 indicator board should be illuminated if the row and bank selector switches of all. of the boards are on home position. Should any phasing lamp be dark, such condition indicates that the row and bank selector; switch or switches of thatboard are out ofphase and must beadjusted manually.

Should the master row and bank selector switch 41 be at any position other than home, the-lamp 1 on the control panel will be dark, indicating that manualv adjustment. of this switch is neces sary. Switch 41 can be stepped consecutively'by repeated manual closure ofpush button switch 24 which completes a circuit from battery to ground through the switch magnet M41, as shown in Fig. 2. Repeated closings of this push button switch can be carried out until the lamp 1 is illuminated, indicating that switch 41 is in proper home position. The energizing circuit for lamp 1 is from ground on the wiperof level I of switch H to point 25 of this level, through the right hand break contact of push button switch l8; and: then through lamp 1 to battery adjacent thereto.

Should all of the lamp of either group be-dark (indicating that" all board selector switches are not at home position), the row and-bank selector switches of that group can be manually stepped in unison until the home position is reached, through the agency of the toggle switch 21] and push buttons 2! and 22. Should it be desired to advance the pairs of selector switches and '38 of each board in group 1, toggle switch 20- can be thrown to the left,moving the right hand tongue from its break con-tact to its make contact. When pushbutton 2! is depressed, a circuit is closed from ground through th contacts of switch 2|, through the right hand make contact of switch 28, along line 64, through relay 4fitobat'tery adjacent thereto. The closingof the two contacts of relay 46 automatically close circuits between ground on the make contacts of. this relay, through two switch magnets M35 and M36 to battery adjacent each thereof, therebyustepping the switches 35 and 36 one point; Establishment of these circuits can be repeated '(byuse of push button- Zl) until the switches. 35 and 33 reach home position, which will be indicated on the control panel by illumination of phasing lamp I, if the two switches 35 and 36 are properly synchronized, or in phase with each other. Inasmuch as the pairs of switchesof each board of group 1 are controlled simultaneously by actuation of the push button 21, at some time one. of the lamps l to 4, inclusive, will be illuminated when a pair of switches at. any one of the boards reacheshome simultaneously. If other-lamps are dark at the time, this conditionindicates. that the remaining boards of that group must be brought into phase. 7

Should the switches 35 and-36 at a board beout of phase with respect to each. other, as. indicated by. darkened lamp, they may bev broughtiinto phase. inv the following manner. Switch. 3| is moved to close its contacts, thereby makingvpossible circuits through lamps l6 and H, which circuits will be. completed when the two switches are simultaneously at home position. The proper procedure for phasing these-two switches is to step switch 35 around until lamp is is energized, such stepping being accomplished by repetitious actuationof push button 32' which closes a circuit from ground through magnetM35 to battery adjacent thereto. When this switch is on home position, a circuit is establishedfro-m battery at switch 3|, through lamp l5, line'fi5, to point 25 6f level 5 of switch 35, from the wiper of level 5 to line 66, to the first tongue of relay 42, and thence through the first break contact of this relay to ground.

With selector switch 35 on ho'me position, switch 36 can be stepped around untilit' likewise is at home positionxby repetitious actuation of push button 34, closing a circuit from-ground through magnet M36'to battery adjacent thereto. As soon: as the wipers of the'sixl'evels of switch 33 reach home position, a circuit will be closed between battery at switch 3|, through lamp ll, line 6-1;, to point 25 of level i switch 36, from the wiper" of this level through line 68, to the third break contact of relay-42, thence to point. 25 of level 4 ofswitch'35, and to ground through the fourth make contact of relay 4|, which relay was automatically energized upon the closing of the main power switch, as before described. It will be. noted that this circuit. can be closed only when both switches 35 and 36 are. at home, and consequently care must be. taken to home. switch .35 beforeattemptingto home switch 36. Whe'nlight 11 indicates that switch 3t is properly horned along with switch 3.5,.lamp I on the control panel willbe illuminated, since this lamp is in parallel to lamp [1, andits circuit extends fromv battery adjacent lamp I through line 69 toits junction with line Bland thenceas beforetraced. .An alternative circuit through lamp I! can be closed undercertain conditions, such circuit extending from battery at switch 31, through lamp l1, line B'Lline 31, to point 25 of, levelB of switch35, from the wiperof this level to the second break contact on relay 42, line 'HLto point. 25 on level 6 of switch 36, from the wiper of this level to the fourth tongue on relay 43, and then to ground on the fourth make contact of this relay, if that relay is energized. Energization of thisrelaywill occur near the end of a complete sequence'of operation of .the system in a manner to, beqdescribed later.

After each set of board selector switches of roup 1 has been synchronized or phased so that lamps l to 4, inclusive, are illuminated; then all I 6 sets of selector switches of the boards of group 2 can be phased in the same manner, recourse being had to switch and push button 22 for stepping all of the selector switches in unison,

is the case in the other switches. switchesare associatedwith master selector.

and, if necessary, individualpush buttons on the respective boards being used for phasing each pair I of switches. When the toggle switch 20 is moved 1 f to the right the normal circuit is interrupted and a'secondary circuit for group 2 is established between ground at push button 22 (when this button is depressed) to the selector switch relays ofboard 2.,correspondingto relay 46., After all I of the selector switches of board 2 have been properly synchronized or phased, switch 20 is restored to its normal position, shown in Fig. 3,

and the. entiresystem is thenin condition for the posting of such indications as may be desired. 3 Once all of the switches have been properly synchronized or phased, they will remain in that condition during normal operation of the system,

I being thrown out only by unusual power failure,

switch failure, or other abnormalconditions.

Group selecting In the process of posting, asupervisor or other group switch with the pointer indicating the def sired group. For example, if all boards are to be I posted, then the group switch will be adjusted 1 to the pos tion shown in Fig. 3 wherein each 7 attendant at the control panel will first determine the boards of the group tor-be posted, i. e., either group 1, 2, or both groups, and adjust the pointer makes contact with the upper or right i hand point of its set. If the boards to be posted 1 are on'ly'those of group 2,'then'adjustment of the switch will cause all pointers to be in contact j with the center point of'their respective sets. I

Likewise, posting of only the boards in group 1 requires adjustment of the group switch so that all pointers therein are in contact with the lowermost or left hand point of each set. Inasmuch as only heard I has been shown in the drawing,

it will be assumed that group 1 is the group to be posted, and consequently the group switch .(Fig. 3) willbe adjusted in the manner last described in connection therewith.

' Row and bank selecting The operator or supervisor must next determine the row of the particular boards to be 7 of that row. 'These switches are shown diagram- 'matically' in ,Fig. 2 of the drawings wherein switches Kl to'K3, inclusive, have been shown 3 and also switch Kl2, the latter switch being indicatedas being of three-position key type, which The key switch 41, as shownin Fig, 2, wherein it will be seen that point I of level 3 of switch 41 is conf nected to the right hand spring tongue of switch Kl; point 2 is connected to the left hand spring right hand spring tongue of switch K2; point 4 to the left hand spring tongue of the same switch, and on through the series until point 23 is con- 3 posted and, when such determination has been made, the first step is to adjust the proper key' switch of Fig. 7 by moving the handle of the same to theleft, which also selects the left bank 58 by line14'. The wiper of level'3 is'connected by line 15120 the third tongue of relay 51. 7

Points l to 24,-inclusive, oflevel 2 of switch 41 are strapped-together and are connected to line 16 which extends to the right hand make contact of switch I8, and are connected to line 16' which extends to the common point; of the windings of relay 51. The wiper of level 2 is connected by line 11 to the second left hand make contact of relay '63. Point 25 of this level is blank. 7

Points I to 24,'inclusive, of level I of switch 41 are strapped together, as shown ihFig. 2, and these strapped points are connectedby line 18 tothe first'tongue ofrel-ay 51. The first break contact of this relay inturn is connected by line 19 to the lamp I5. The wiper on level i is grounded. Point 25 of level I is connected by line 80 to the right hand spring tongue of switch I 8, causing lamp 1150 be illuminated whenthe to be posted will move in steptherewith, 'Assuming, for purposes of illustration, that row 3 of group 1 is to be posted, the key switch K3 will be moved to the left, forcing the right hand spring tongue of switch K3 into contact with the right hand make contact of this, switch. 'The 'setting of switch K3 in this position will result in master switch 41 being brought to stop'whenthe wiper of level 3 has been brought into contact with point 5 thereon. Inasmuch as the switches Kl to Kl2 are connected respectively to successive .odd and even points of level 3 of switch 41, it follows that with the selector switches in each indicating board being similarly connected to the motors of the'banks of eachrow the proper bank 7 I8, line 16, line 16', to the common point of the two windings of relay 51, and to battery through the right winding of relay 51. These windings are of differential nature, with the right hand windingbeing' connected directly to battery adtongueof the same switch Kl; point 3 to the i jacent'thereto. This sam ground can be applied to a circuit through the "left hand winding of'relay 51, if the upper right contact of the impulse unit is closed, supplying battery therethrough' and through the line 84 to the break contact of make before-break assembly of relay 51, and thence through line 85 to, the left hand winding of this relay. If the upper right contact of the impulse unit is closed at the instant the button I8 is pushed, establishing ground at the common point of these two, windings, circuits are completedth rough both coils, and sincethese coils aredifferentially wound relay 51wil1 not be operated until the upper right contact of the impulse unit opens. The purpose of this arrangement is to prevent a split impulse becoming effective on the stepping circuit which will be described below. As soon as the upper right contact of the impulse unit opens, relay 51 will operate, since energy-will be removed from the left hand winding, and the circuit has-already been completed through the right hand winding. When this relay operates, it locks itself in operated condition by a locking circuit extending from battery through the right winding to the common point of both coils, through its own second make contact through line '86, the break contact of pushbutton I9, line 81, to ground on the third right hand break contact of relay 6|.

Operation of relay 51 disconnectsthe left hand opposing coil from the source of impulses-by the breaking of the make-before-break assembly fed by line 84 from the upper right contact of the impulse unit. The supply line 84 is then connected through the. third make contact of relay 51, line 15, to the wiper of leve1'3of switch 41, through point 25 of that level, line 14", to ground through relay 58. Consequently,- after relay 51 has operated by the opening of the upper right contact of the impulse unit, the next closing of such contact will cause operation of relay 58 through the circuit just described. Operation of relay 58, in picking up, closes a circuit from battery adjacent the magnet M41 of switch 41, through line 88 to ground on the first make contact of relay 58. Simultaneously a circuit is completed from battery adjacent relay 45 (Fig. through this relay. line 64*, right hand spring tongue of switch 20, break contact thereof, through the middle pointer of section I of the group switch, line 89, to ground on the second make contact of relay 58. "Energization of magnet M41 and relay 46! causes respectively stepping of switch 41 to point I thereof .-and oper ation of magnets M35 and M36 of switches 35 and 36 to step the wipers of these two switches likewise to point I. Thus, it will be seen that the master row selector switch 41 and the board row selector switches 35 and 35 step in unison.

When the next impulse is supplied by the upper" right contact of the impulse unit, switches 41, 35 and 36 will again step another'point, if switch KI is in normal positionsince' the impulse circuit can be traced from battery at the impulse unit through line 84, line 15, to the wiper of level 3 of switch 41, point I of this switch, to the right spring tongue of switch KI, line 14, line 14', and to ground through relay 5B. Similarly. the switches will he stepped. in unison from point 2 to point 3, if switch KI is in normal position, since the circuit just'traced will differ only in its connection from point 2 to the left hand tongue of switch Ki, It willbe noted in Fig. 2 that similar make and break contacts on all of the key switchesKI to KI'Z are strapped together, with the only'individual lines on these switches extending from the points on level 3 to the tongues of the various key switches. Thus, stepping of theselector switches in unison will continue until the wiper of level 3 reaches a point thereon connected to a tongue of a key switch which has been moved from. normal position. Under the assumption previous ly -made that key switch K3 had been moved to the left, forcing itsright spring tongue against its outer make contact, stepping of these selector switches in unison will continue until the wiper of level 3 of switch 41 reaches point' 5..'When this condition prevails, the circuit'from battery through the upper right contact of impulse unit 54 will extend through line 84, line 15, wiper of level 3 of switch 41, point 5', to the right spring tongue of switch K3, line 90, to the fourth right hand -break contact of rela'y63, lineu94, to line 85, throushihe'yleft hand winding of, re1ay51" to ground, through the second make contact of relay 51, line 86, break contact of push button I9,iine81tothethird right hand break contact of relay SI. Energization. of the left hand coil of relay 51 neutralizes the activation of the right hand coil thereof, causing this relay to fallback and removing the: impulse circuit from relay 58.

Relay 58- having been deprived of energization from the impulse unit, all of the selector switches are left in position corresponding to the key switch manipulated, and thereby the selection of the rowand bank to be written up'lS completed. Thebank'in a. row is determined by the position of thekey switch. Thus, if such switch'has been moved to the left,the-left hand bank of a row has been selected, while if the key switch was initially moved to theright, the right hand bank of the same row has-been selected.

When the push button 18 was first moved to initiate the selection of the bank and row, the circuit energizing lamp 1 was broken by movement of the right hand spring tongue of switch I8 from thebreak contact. Once the master selector switch 41 has begun'stepping, button I 8 may be released, but lamp 1 will not be reenergized, since the wiper of level I of switch 41 has moved awayfrom point 25, depriving lamp 1 of current of its battery connection.

In addition to the locking circuit for maintaining relay 51 operated in the manner previously described, a second'locking circuit is provided for this relay, such circuit extending from battery through the right hand coil of the relay to the firstmake contact thereof, and thence through line 18 to the strapped points of level I of switch 41, and thence to ground from the wiper thereof. This second locking circuit will also be opened by relay 51 falling back so that the relay will remain unoperated until further steps in a cycle of operation are completed. When the first tongue of "relay 51 restores its contact with the first break contact thereof, ground is placed on the lamp I5 from the grounded wiper of level I, the point of level I on which the wiper rests, through line18, the first break contact of relay 51, line 19 to lamp I5 and thence to'battery. Lamp I5' indicates to the operator or supervisor that thedesired bank and row has been selected and that further operation of the system is in order. This lamp I5'can be energized only when thewiperof level I of switch 41 has settled on one of its strapped points I to 24, inclusive, while relay!" is" unoperated, such condition being one which can exist only when a bank of indicating motors in a particular row has been selected.

Posting indicators of a bank moved so that its pointer contacted position 4.

or C thereon, the second or middle setting switch would be moved to contact the point marked N thereon, and the third or righthand setting; switch would be moved to cause its pointer to contact the letter. D. The write-upswitch would then be moved to the left (Fig.7), which movement would cause all of the pointers of this,

switch to contact their-respective lower or .left

hand oints, as indicated by the alternative situ-,

ation in Fig. 2. Inasmuch as the operation of the individual indicator motors has been described previously, it is apparent that impulses applied to three of the leads to each motor must be furnishedin sequence to cause the selected motors to step around until the desired letters'ofthe alphabet appear in the windows associated with these motors. The mechanism utilized for accomplishing this result comprises the three indicator countingswitches 48, Hand 50, the relays II, 12 and I3, acting in cooperation with relays 8|, 82 and 83, and also in cooperation with relays 6|, 62 and 63. Likewise, relay 9| which was energized when power was initially turned on to wipers of rows |,'2 and 3 of selector switch 35.

are connected respectively to the first, second'and third tongues of relay 4|, while the wiper' of level 4 ofthis switch is connected to the fourth tongue of the same relay. Similarly, the wipers of levels 5 and-6 of switch 35 and levels I an d;2 of switch. 36 are connected respectively to the first, second,{

third and fourth tongues of relay 42.

the wipers of levels 3, 4, and B of switch 36 are connected respectively to the first, second, third,

and fourth tongues of relay 43 The first make contacts of "the relays 4|, 42 and 43' are connected in multiple to the line IOI; the second make contacts of the three relays are connected to a line I02, and the third make contacts ofthe same relays are connected to a line I03. The fourth make contact of each ofthese relays is grounded.

The second tongue'of relay 5| is connected to the.

line I the second tongue of relay 52 is connected tothe line I02, and the second tongue of relay 5,3 is connected to the line I03. It follows;

that pulses applied under the control of the three relays 52 and 53 will be transmitted to the three indicator motors under the control of the relays 4|, 42 and 43 or, in other words, pulses will be transmitted to the first motor of the left bank whenrelay 4| onlyisoperated; to the sec ond motor when relay 42 only is operated,'and to the third motor when relay 43-only is operated.

When the write-up switch is moved to writeup position, a circuit is" closed from battery through the resistance RI, line I05, through the pointer of the midset of section 6 of the group Finally;

, movement, in effect shunting out the circuit" switch, line I06, through relay 45 to ground,caus- 7 ing this relay to be operated. Operation of relay 45establishes a circuit between battery at relay 44 and ground on the tongue of relay 4'5, operating relay 44. The operation of the latter relay makesbattery available to relays 5|, 52 and 53 through the respective three make contacts of relay.44. I

.With the system in preparedness for posting the: indicatordrums of the selected bank, such posting can be initiated by operation of the button it, While in the description of the op ration of the master selector switch 4? and-board selector switches 35 and 35 the assumption was made that key K3'was operated to'select the'left bank of row 3, for purposes of describing the operation of the indicator switches andthe pulsing magnets it now shouldbe assumedthat the left bank of row I has been selected sothat the circuits shown in Fig; Scan be traced. As

pointed out previously, the operation of the master row selector switch and the board selector switches is the same for an position of an of the selector keys KI to KIZ, inclusive, so that. the assumption just made does not interfere with the orderly presentation of the following operation. a

Movement of the switch I9to force its spring tongue into connectionwith the make contact of the switch completes a circuit from ground at the third right break contact of relay 0 through line 8'! to the tongue of switch I9, from the make contact through line I01 to point 25' of level2 of indicator counting switch, from the wiper of this level through the switch magnet M48,-:line- I 08, through the break contact of relay II and line I09 to the upper left contact of impulse unit 54, and thence to battery when this contact is closed. The first closure-of this upper left contact of the impule unit whileswitch I9 is moved inwardly will cause current to flow through the above'circuit, energizing the operating magnet so that the rotary switch will step one point from itsnormal homeposition'to point I on each-of the three levels. As soon as the :wiper of level 2 of this switch reaches point I, the stepping circuit just described is grounded at this, level and will remain-grounded throughoutstepping of the switch to point 24, since points I to ,24 are strapped together and grounded. For this reason the switch I9 can be released once the switch magnet M48 has made the first step of switch which was established through this switch and through the third right break contact of relay 6|. Due to the grounding of the supply circuit through magnet M48 at level 2, switch 48 will step eachtime the upper left contact of the impulse unit closes and opens.

When the wiper of level of 'switch'48 reaches,

point I, ground is applied from this wiper through point I, line I I0; first left break contact of relay 6|, line III; through relay 8| to battery, causing this relay to'be operated. When relay 8| picks up; ground'iseapplied to a circuit extending from the first make contact thereof through line H2, lower pointer of section 3 0fthe group switch; line H 4, through relay 5| to battery at the, first make contact of relay44. Since, as pointed out earlier, relay 9| was operated when power was turned on to the'system and, as a consequence, relay 4| hadoperated, it

follows that relay 5| in operating applies bate;

tery through the second make contact thereof to the line IOI'; From this multiple line I0|the only circuit which can be completed is through the first make contact ofrelay-4| to the wiper,

of level I of row selector switch 35. Since under the assumption now existing this switch is at rest with its wiper on point I, the circuit is continued from the wiper through point I, line-31, to the green, or G,-lead line, to the first motor of the left bank of row I, and thence toground through the black, or B, lead. 1 As 1 pointed out in connection with the detailed description of ascents att-he; beginning ormanipulation'. Consequently, the first pulsation applied to the first motor does not cause. movement. of the rotor thereof, and. the indicator drum remains at the blank position. I

When the wiper of level 1' of switch 48' moves to. point 2;. ground is. applied. to a circuit ex:- tending from the wiper through point 2; line H6, to the second left break contactxoi relay 6|, line IIT, throughrelay 82 to. battery, cause ing this. relay to. be operated. Such operation completes a circuit. from ground On the first make contact thereof through line Hi8, pointer of. the. midset of section 3; of. the group switch, line H9, through relay 52' to battery on the. second make contact. or relay 414,- thereby operating relay 52. When this :relayis. operated, a circuit is completed; from battery appliedto. the second tongue thereof; through the second make contact of the relay tormultiple 1.0.2, andsince relay 4! is. the only relay operated of the group 41 to 43, inclusive, this. circuit continues .from the second make contact of relay ll to the wiper of level 2: of switch 3.5;, then frompoin-t I of this switch to the line 38, to the red, orJR, lead of the. first motor of the. left. bank. of row i, thereby applying. the second. sequential pulse. to. this motor and causing it toadvance .15,..bringing1etter A on the. alphabetdrum intoregister withthe; window in. the indicator board;

When the wiper-of level ll of switch 48. reaches point 3, groundis applied to. a-circuit which extends from this wiper, through. line- I 20, the third left break. contactof. relay 61., line; 21., through relay 83 to battery, operating: this relay; When this relay picks; up, ground is, applied from the. first make contact. thereof through line I22, the first, or top, painter of. section 3 of the group switch, line I24, through relay 53 to battery onthe third .make contact of relay 44. Closure of this circuit. operates relay 53 and establishes. a circuit from battery through the second make contact thereof to multipleline I03, and from this line through the third make, contactyo'f relay 4|. to the wiper of the; third level of switch 35,, thence from point I of this. level through. 3:93 to the;ye11oW,.or:Y, lead of theaflrst indicator motor. This circuit advances. the motor another; 15", bringing the. letter B on theindicator: drum into register with the'window intheboard.

It should be noted that successive iourth points: on level IV of: switch. 48-. are strapped. togetherso. that, when the wiper of these levels reaches point- 4, the same. circuit; is 'esta blishedas, was set when the wiper was at. level Land alsov the same; circuit prevails .for points 2 andx and thesame circuitv for pointsi and 6. and on aroundthe. switch. Consequently, as this wiper progresses frompoint to pointin .its. path citravel around the: switch, successive impulses will be applied to the first indicator motor by the-respective pulsing magnets 5 l.-,. 52 and 53,each.pulse;advancing' the motor Repetitious. closings of these three circuits. at the level .i vi-s carried outuntil the wiper of level 3 comes to rest. on the point. thereofconnected to the selected point on the.

first indicator setting switch.

Under the conditions assumed the desired set.- ting of the first motor was the letter' 'C',..and com sequently, when the wiper of level '3'reaches the all three switches and establ-i'shed by the write up" switch, throughthe wiper or level 3, liner25, 75

cator drum a third 15 of movement, exposing the letter C in the boardwiindow. The indicator motor and, consequently, indicator willremain stationary because of the slight frictional load oftherotor of the motor, keeping the letter C.

exposed until the motor'is-moved by the application of other. impulses.

'lhe next-impulse. from the upper left contacts of' the impulse motor, instead of being applied to the magnet M48,-'will be applied through. line W9 :and the make contact oft-relay H to the. right hand. windingof'relay 1|, the circuit being com= pleted through line I30, through relay 6|, line i3l, line I32 to ground on the left break contact of switch [8. Thecompleti'on of the circuit pro-- vided by this impulse, in addition to energizing the second winding of relay H (the second winding being in adirection aiding the first winding), causes relay 61 to operate, and relay 6sl willlock itself in operated condition by battery supplied by its first right hand make contact, the circuit being completed through the same path as. that utilizedby the impulse from the impulse unit. Since this source of battery was first applied through the first break contact. of relay 61 to operaterelay l t, it follows that operation of relay 6I deprives the left hand winding of relay 'H' of a source of energy so that this relay .H drops back when the upper left contacts of the impulse unit are opened. The circuit utilized in operating relay BI. is completed through the-second coil of relay It in order that this: relay may be held in operated condition for the completeduration of the impulse supplied by the impulse. unit, even though relay 61 in picking up deprives relay H or itsoriginaloperating current.

Operation of relay 6i disconnects the windings of relays 8|, 82 and83 from the strapped points of-level l of, switch 48 by the breaking of the'three left handbreak contacts of relay 6 t. of relay 6t also breaks'th'e circuit through which relay 91 was. originally energized by theopening of the second right break contact. When relay 9] falls back, itc'ausesthe deenergization of relay 4! with the result. that the motor of the first indicator. is now completely disconnected from further pulsing by relaysi I 52 and 5 3, and therefore the first. indicator motor and its drum will remain in the position to which it was. last moved, namely, the selected letter C,

When the relay 1| falls back, restoring its break contact, the stepping circuit for the first counting switch is restored from the upper left contacts of the impulse unit through the break contact of.

Operation 2 nd indicator motor.

' contacts of relay-6| to the three left tongues of relay 62.. Since relayBZ has not been energized, the three left break contacts are closed. and. are connected by linesI35, I36 and I3! to'point-s. I, 1 2 and 3, respectively, of level of indicator count- 2 ing switch 49. The points of levelI of this switch that the switch will. continue to: step as Dreviously described until the'wiper'of the third. level thereof finds a point connected to ground bythc 49 are strapped together in thesame manner. as

those of levell of switch 48'. V V At the same time the energizing circuit of relay 9| was broken by operation-ofrelay fil'a circuit "for the energization of relay .92 wasestablished This circuit can be traced from battery at relay .92 through line I38, second. right break-contact of relay 62, thencetosecond right make contact of relay 6|,and to ground. When relay 92 picks'up,

it closes aicircuit from ground extending through its secondmake contact, line ,l39gtothe middle pointer of section of the group switch, line I40, through relay 4'2 .to battery,- causing this relay to pickup. .Due to the operation. of relay 42, it

.follows thatany 'pulsesi'which-maybe supplied by the relays 5|, 52 and53 Willbe passed along from the multiplelines-IIII, I02Ian'd I93 to the V wipers of the levels 5 and 6 of. switch and level I of switch 36. ,Sincethese two switches are still at rest with their pointers on point I, such pulses j supplied bythe pulsing relays will. be transmitted 1 to the second motor of thele ft bank of ,row I in the same manner that pulses were transmitted to fthe' first motor ofthisbank.

,Operation'of relay 6| also completes the starting' circuit for causing the second indicator '1 counting switch 49. to step.- The stepping circuit for switch49 extends from battery supplied by the lo'we'reright contacts ofthe impulse unit through line I4'I, through'the break contact of relay, I2,

line I42, magnet M49 for the switch49, Wiper. of'

level-'2 of switch 49, to" point 25cm level- 2, and thence by line I44 through the third right break contact'of relay .62 to'thethird right make contact of relay BI, to the ground. Consequently, the

7 left break contacts thereof disconnected the cir- 7 next closure of the impulse. unit, i. e.,.c10surelof lowerlright contacts ofthe unit, will cause the ,magnetM49 to beenergized and step switch,4'9

,to point I whererelay 8Iwil1 beoperated by reason of the circuit'established from ground at thewiper of level I. and extending. through line |35..to1relay -8|; as .previously'described. Opera- ;tion of relay 8Iint1irncaus'es operation of relay 5| which applies aniimpulse to the green,*or G,

; lead'of the second motor in the left hand bank.

When the wiper of levelI of switch 49 moves to a 7 point *2, a circuit from ground is established 7 through line..|36 and the: transfer-contacts of relays 6| and 62 to therelay 82, operating it and consequently causing energizationzof relay-52 to apply animpulse to the red,'or R, lead of the sec- Similarly, movement of; the wiper oi level l ot switch 49- to point'3 completes a circuit'from ground through line I3], transfer. contacts; of relays BI. and B2, to line |2I and thence to-relay 83, energizing. the same. This-lastenergization in turn causes operation oil-relay 53,which sup-1 V plies an impulseto the yellow, or Y,.lead of the.

second motorof the left bank middle indicator setting dial. A the 'switchsteps, relays 8|, 82 and 83 operate in sequencaicausing impulses to beapplied. to, the middle indicator motor by the relays 5|, 52 and 53 to step this indicator motor totheselected letter.- Wher'ithe switch finds the selected letter '(in this caselthe letter N), acircuit will be completed from ground at the pointer of thesecond indicator diaLletter N thereon, through the N contact or No. .14 on level 3 of switch 49, 'from' the wiperlthereof through lineI50, through the left coil of relay I2, lineI5I, the first right breakcontact of relay 62 to battery, causing therelay' I2 tocperate and breakthemagnet operating circuit forswitch- 49, which extends from the. lower right contacts of the impulse unit throughthebreakcontact. of relay 12.. Operation of relay l2 a1so transfers the previous. counting switch actuating circuit from the. lower right contact i of .thewimpulse unit through line 'I4I, to the .make contact of relay I 2, into the right coil thereof, and thence through line I52, through relay 62,'line .-I3I,: line I32, to ground at theleft break contact"of,switch.|8.

The completion of this circuit causes relay -62 to operate and to lock itself in'place by the application of battery through the. firstiright. make .con-

. tact and to ground as just described. 'The break-.

ing of the first right break contact ofi'relay '92 (when this relay picks up), deprives the leftcoilz of relay I2 of battery sothat, when'the lower right contacts of the impulse unit open,.removing energization from the right coil of relay 72, this relay falls back,'-restoring'the stepping circuit to the switch magnetM49, causing counting switch 49 tov resume stepping. until:-:the wipers thereof reach home position, at whichpo'int ground will be removed from the .stepping circuit on level 2. v 7

When relay 62 operatedgbreaking of the'three cuits leading to relays 8|; 82 and '83'from. the

lines I35, I36 and 131. extending .to. level i of switch 49; Closing of the .left'han'd make contacts. of relay62 in tu'r'n transfer the actuating circuitsof relays 8|,1'8-2'and 83 to the three right break contacts of relay '63; andthence to level I of indicator countingswitchtll. Operation of relay 62 also interrupts the energizingicircuitof relay 92, the fallingsbackofwhichideenergizes relay-42, interrupting-' theizindicator' motor: circuits of the second motor :withthe result that this second motor remains in. position with the. letter N on its drumlexposedaat its Window in the indicator board. Simultaneouslyi'a circuit'is established from battery. at relay93, through, line I55, second right makezcont'act :of relay; 62, sec- 0nd right make contact of: .relay' 6| to ground, energizingrel'ay 93 which inturn operates. re -V 1ayl43. -.Thecircuit for operating relay extends from ground through the second make contact of relay 93, line- I56, through'the pointer of theupper or .right set of.sectio n15 of the. group switch, line I5Ito battery at relay,;43. gOperation of relay 43 places the multipleglines 3| (1|; |Il2, and=|03,

' in circuitwith the green; red and yellow leadsgof the third motor. of the left bank of row I so that When; theIswitch49'steps',to'the point I position,

' i gthestepping circuit through.switchmagnet M49 is grounded on the, strapped points of'ilevelzso impulses along these multipleswill-be applied to thisindicator motor. 7 .1 V r Operation of relay 62* also closedthe stepping. circuitfo qcounting switch- 59; such. circuit extending from batterythrough the lower left contacts vofthe impulse unit, line I58, break contact ofrelay .'|3,.1ine.|59, motor magnet M50, wiper i l y 1, fi si e t make ta th e x 16. firs ri ht, b eak. ontact Of 4 m t el I nd o grou d- 6h e'w pen thereof operating relayjl. Operation of relay 8 causes operetionof relay 51 ingthe manner be! o sor b d; w th, th e u t-that m ulse is p lied to. he mul i e 11 .1. M and. f m; h s. line through the first make contact of relay 4%, to the wiper of level 3 of switch 36, which wiper is at rest on point .I;, andthence to the green, or G, lead of the third motor of the bank being posted and to ground-therethrough.

When the wiper of levelj -l of switch 50 reaches point-2'; a circuit is closed from better? at relay 82, throughline l ll; seoo nd left make cont'actof relay lii, second left make contact oj relay (i2, secondright break contact of relay 63", line I62, topo'in't -2 of level" 'I of-switch 50, and to greund fromthe Wiper thereof, causing-relay jfl' to operate, which operation :in turn causes energizetion of ''relay' '2, applying an impulse through multiple [OZ-and *the second make contact of're- 1ay- M te-the wiper of the fourth level of switch 38 ',"'and=1'-r om point I Y on this levelto the red; or R; lead-of the third=-motor being posted and to ground therethrough.

' When the wiper of level l of switch rests on point 3-, a circuit is closed from battery at relay 83; through line I'M; third-left 'malgecontact ofrelay G L'third left make contactofrel'ay 62; third-' right break-contact of=re1ay' 63, line i64 point 3 of'leve1- |-of switch ifl to'g roundat the wiper thereof; Closure ofthis circuit operates relay 83,: whichinturn causes operation ofrelay 53, thereby applying an impulse through mnlti-ple l-flit; third make-contact of relay 43;wiper of level 5 of-switch 36;" point I ofthislevel, and tothe yellow, or Y; lead ofthe third indicator motor being p osted and-to ground 'therethrough.

Application of-impulses by the three relays 51, 52- end" 53in sequence to the third motor being posted causes progressive rotation of thismotor insteps of 15- each themanner previously described, and such; pulsation ofjthe. motor con-.

tinuesuntil ground is, applied at: the indicator di-al tot'he selectedgpoint on level 3 of switch '50,

Under the assumption previously made this point is the letter D so that; when 'th e wi pe17 of level 3'-o f;switoh 5q rests'on DQiILt 55a circuit is d z m r d at. he icatory ia .thr ug point 5 101 letterDjon this dial; point .25 on level 3,?- wiper of "level .3;.1i n e I; through the left windmg ofco ilf-l3, to battery at the 'fi rstjleft hreak v ita 'ol e e fl; ca sin at nof re Operation of relay Iii-breaks the..i nip111se. circuit to motor magnet M50.,(which extended through ebreak. contac -oi relay an i s e d mes 1 r uit hrou h l ne- .8 from a e y at were: hit. contacts. of thempu s i t r h herein: Wi din o ...re w line- 6s h o was; m felt of upp he 1n twh eh. ay n. mm locks 1. Operated position by a circuit from ba t -e. t e e e'yt 'w efit r t; 1.? i mak contact of the relay to ground loyv lines. litter id 5 so .lo k ngwitself. in. operat d'pos tion, th first left break Contact of relay -63 isfoig'ened des. nit ng the-le indine o 1 .3 of bett r} s that, whenth "lower left v contacts. of the impulse ni s a e. opened, ream falls back, r st? he stepping; circuit ,1 through th switch mags leitiMBfl; ansine this switohto continue stem time. unt l the. wi r here ar at home on PQiQt J- Q ltion oi relay. 6.3. caused. the. opening 01 the rig ht hand break contacts thereof, and the opening of the first three of these contaots,.,inI-' terrupted. he grounding circuits for thereleys it. l3.with.the esu t he o ntmue i stenping the; counter switch .0"ha.s no efieot on;

nd th ough. L4. attery ergi n this,

lam and. ndicating t the. operator or super.- isottha-tpos n of. helthree .indicetorshasbeen omn e eqi Damn l1 as.wil1 esee by rete eo e. tQ.E L dire tly opoint oftv l. Lois/M129 1. othat it is ner i at all hat; th se w tcn s nhome p s i nrom the. de t ion o the n m p oi-the three. 1.8; '4 and.,'5n', it ,isappa ent at switchifl isal' way. ,thelast to he returnedjhome after aseqlien e io eration. h se th eesmteheswm the resultth'at illumination of lamp I4 indicates the; ompleti n-of. a writ rup. Each onetogi switohesfiaj lfi and 50. makes a .completecycle. of. operation, i, e., m0vement from, point 25v through, thfe other twenty-four hacktopoirit 25, even tho h al ofrthe indicator dials. associated therewith are notposted, Ifitis desired to retain oneor more of the drums at blanl position, the. nd cator dielass c atedwith this r m. or

willhe positioned atthe dot or blank point (point No,,.1), sothat only one,imp ulse willbQprovided h ou h th series f l L 2 nd" ans:

ing. only ongimpulseito be, sent by relay 51,. and. such impulse only holds. the.v mdicator, motor .in positionwithout turning the same.

Homing 01f selector switches After write-up operation or posting. has een completed, allsboard rowv selector switches and; the master row. selector switchmust be returned tohome po nts, and. such; ret rn s made, autometieally, When relay 63 isopereted. vv hiehjsz an indication that, the lastflindicetor motor has been rotated to expose the selected; letter, onfitsj r m a. c i s es abl shed. rom. ground at: the ,third'rightmakeconte ct or relay 6.1, through.

thethird right contact offrelay 62; secondil'eflt;

make contact of relay .63, linejl'i, 01f leyellzii of master switch-4], fromone of the,s,tr,ap p'eil points on t is. level through line Hi, to battery through the ,rightwinding, 0i; relay. 51, causing;

this, relay tooperate in thetsame manner-Atop erated When theswitch IBwe operatedatthe, beginning of the postingoperation; Re1oy...5l locksitsel in energizedcondition bya cirouit ex tending froniv bette at the "relay: tliro points or level i of switch 41, snare ground t the wiper thereof. Since these It points are strapgiedtbgether, as-shown, this circuit ism ain-v trained-until the wiper of level I of switch ll' is moved to"po=int 25f Operation of relay 51 established anoperating 41 is still resting on the. point 'at-whijch. it was stopped by a selected key SWitCh KljO K12, in;-

elusive, but the circuit from thei'impulsef unit through this selected key'which originally caused 1 circuit for: relay-58. 'I'he master selector switch the relay ,5! to'dro back has beenrbrokenlatnthe' by the imposition of current through its op sing lefthand winding. Since the switch 41 is at rest onfits selected 'position,;the original circuit from the impulse unit to relay 58 is broken so v that it is necessary to establish a by-pass circuit to permit operation of relay 58. ,The operation of relay 63 permits the establishment of suchb-ypass circuit which extends from battery at the uppefright contacts of the impulse unit through line 84, third make contact of relay 51, line 110, third left make contact of 'relay 63,1ine'lll, line 74' through relay 58, to ground. 7 V "Fromthe foregoing it will be seen that,when

relay; 5'1 picks up after the completion of the '3 setting of'the indicator drums, relayr58 will begin operating under the control'of the impulse unit,

andoperation of relay 58 causes/repeated op'erafounth'right break contact of relay 63; with the, result that relay 51 will not becaused tofall back:

ground at switch l8. As the result ofthis deenergization the holding circuit for relay' 93 is,

s ts-3st- Upon the completion "of, a posting" operation,.

as indicated by'illumination of the lamp L1, and the board lamps of the group'which was posted, the system is then in condition for further operation. Since the left bank of a row has been posted, the same key switchis then thrown to the right, and bank selection and indicator posting carried'out for the right bank of the selected row in the manner hereinbeforeQdescribed. When' switch I8 is manipulated to initiate row and bank selection, relays BI; 62 and 63, which remain broken and the holding circuit for relay 9|, is restoredand the system is incomplete readiness for normal operation. V

Blanking out Inaddition to posting desired information in the various banks of indicator drums o f'thedifferent boards, certain banks can be blanked-out when the information appearing thereon is no tion of the switch magnet M41 of the "master switch and alsoof the switch magnets M 1 andMBB of the row'selector switches 35and 36 in the manner explained'in connection with the initial seleictionfof desired rows. Operation of relay 58 with'its attendant results will continue, causingjstepping of, the master selector switch 1 ,and the board selector switches until the master 40 selector switch 41 reaches a condition in which its Wipers are on point 25 'or home. At that time thegr'o'und circuitsthrough levels I and 2 of i switch .41 will be opened, causing relay 51 to fall backandopen the operatin circuit for relay 58,1Which circuit extends through the third make i contact of relay. 51; At this timeall the row. selector switches as well as master selector switch I 41' are on andwill remain'onpoint 25, Lam 1 7 1 will be 'energizedat this time, since'its circuit extends from battery' through the right break contact of switch [8 to ground on wiper of level V l'of switch-4T when thiswiperis on point 25.

Illuminationof lamp 1 indicates to the operator or supervisor that the master row selector switch 'isat home position, and illumination of the V lamps associated with thegr'oup of boards just 1 posted willgindicate that the}, board selector switches are also on home positions. I

The" circuit previously described whereby lamp I onithe panel is illuminated when'switches 35 and 36 are on homeposition cannot be com- 1 1 pleted at this tim for th'e reason that relay 4| 7 has been'deenergized' in the cycle of operation, f and. consequently asecon'dicircuit must be em-j 'ployed forthis purpose. This .second' circuit utilizes ground applied b'yrrela'y 4 3 which has been operatedj during the final phase of board longer needed. f To blank-out an existing posting on the routing boards of, either one or bothof the groups of boards, the group, row and'bank J must be selected in the same manner as in theinstance of writing up. For blanking out, how

, ever, the write-up switch-must bermoved to the right .(Fig. 7) so that all of the pointersof' this 7 switch (Fig. 2) are movedinto engagement withtheir upper points; As a result of such movement, the three upper pointers of the switch apply ground to points 2.4 of level 3 of each of the three indicator switches, 48 and 50, and simultaneously the fourth pointer removes ground from the three indicator dial switches, assuring that the; indicator counting switchesvcan find ground on no other point than point 24 of; each thereof. This movement'of the write-up switch also removes battery (by the bottom pointer) from reswitches are not utilized during the blank-out process, and the pointers of each thereof maybe at anyletter therearound wit out interfering with the blank-outoperation.

posting. The lamp circuit for lamp lxcan then be traced from battery at the lamp through line 69 to line BLLline 61', to point 25 onlevel 6 of 7 switch 35, from the wiperof this'level through tri i -oi this eve1 .throughline l9l to ground at thefourth make contact of relay 43.

When the desired row and bank have been selected by movement of the proper key switch KI theblanking out operation This manipulation starts the first counting switch 48 .to stepping in the manner'described previously, nd suchstepping" continues until th wiper" of level 3 -is groundedfat th'e'fblank-out switch (on point 24 thereof) to operate relay 1| inthe same manner as in posting. Stepping of switch'48 causes operationof relays 8| 8: and -83 insequence in the 'manner before described, and these three relays'in'turn control thefapplication of pulsae 'tions to the first indicator motor in the left hand bank of row i likewise in thepre'viously described manner. During the application offimpulses by relays 5|, 52"and 53, batteryjis supplied to'thse relays by relay 44 which is energized'through a.

circuit" extending' from battery at therelay through line I8'5"to one"of" the homing. contacts on the first indicator drum; a'nd then to ground through line 40, point l hof level 4 of'switch 35, wiperof this level and the fourth make contact ofrelay 41", which was energized as. before described when the main powenswitch was turned on. Relay 44 is dependent upon this circuit which remains closed aslo'ng as the indicator drum is 'in any position other than home position. A's soon as the home position of the alphabet drum is reached; this circuit 'int'erruptedby opening of the contacts of the typeshown at 2'1 and 28 in Fig; so that furtherflrotation of the indicator moto'r'is prevented. However, in order that the relayof the group 5|, 52 and 53 which steps the indicator motor to home position may not be de prived of operating, current before the indicator has settled itself in Home position, a source of locking battery" is applied to each of these three relays through their first make contacts; and such battery remains applied to each individual relay until its energizing'circuit through its allied relay of the group 81, 81 and 83 is brokenwhen Wipe? level 3 or switch 48 is grounded on point 24, relay II is operated in the manner heretofore described, and immediately following'such operation relay BI is operated again, transferring the control circuits .of relays 8'], 8-2- and 83' from-'switchle to switch 49, after which relay 41 falls'back; restoring the stepping circuit of'switch 48 which steps the wipers of all three levels topoint, 25, the home position, at which time thestepping circuit'is broken.

Indicator switch 48 has its stepping circuit established in the same manner as previously described, and this switch likewise steps through twenty-fourpositions, reaching ground on point 24 and causing the transmission of such number of impulses-by relays 51; '52- and 53 asmay be necessary to restore the second indicator drum to home position, at whichtime theground circuit on relay 44 which was'established by operation of relay 42 is broken. Any additional oper'- ations of control relays 8*], 8'2 "and '83 will be ineffective to rotate the second indicator motor, since the battery cannot be applied to the three impulse relays. Y

When the wiper of level 3' of indicator switch 49 reaches point 21, ground isap'plied thereto to cause operation of relay 12, breaking the stepping circuit of switch 19 causing energiza-v tion of relay 62, which in turntransfers the operating circuits of relays -8l 8 2 and 83 to the first level of switch 59, Upon operationc-f relay 62, relay I2 is caused to fall-hack, restoring the stepping circuit ior switch 49 which steps to point and then ceases to'step dueto the breaking of its stepping circuit.

Switch 50 in turn steps through twenty-four positions, applying impulses in sequence to relays 8 I 82 and 83, and these relays control the application of impulses to the third counter motor in the manner previously described, it being under-- stood that-ground to-energize relay H was transferred by the operation ofrelay 43" to the third indicator motor, and ground remains on this circuit until this motor causes its drum to reach hocrne position.

It will be apparent that, while each counting switch steps through its full complement of twenty-four positions, all twenty-four impulses maynot'be necessaryjto restore anindicator to the blank position. owever, theopening 5: the home position contacts on each indicator motor prevents 'more than the requisite number 'of'impulses being applied to the motor beingoperated;

Whom relay 5|" operates the first time in connection with; each of the three indicator motors; it will apply battery to the green, or'G, lead of thisunit. Such application of energy to the green lead will draw the nearest tooth on the rotor of that motor into line with the magnet poles Aenergized in this fashion. Normally the blank position or one of the letters" C, F, J, M, Q; Tand W would be exposed at the windowby' the motor when the magnet'poles supplied by the greenlead are energized. Thus, the first pulse will either hold the particular one of these characters-in position at the window orwillcause the one of the nearest to the exposed letter to" be poled'in itsplace, and such movement can beineither direction. For example, if the board beingblauked out had the letter A exposedat its window, the first impulse from relay 5i will move the indicator motor backward until'blank or dot position isat the window. Similarly, other letters may-be moved ahead or movedback until the indicator motor is in ste so that subsequent impulses supplied under the control of the other impulse relays will step the motor ahead succes sively one step until blank isturned into the ments lamp! and the board lampsvon the con-- trol panel will be illuminated, indicating that the system is in normal position ready for further blank-out of other banks or rows, which operation: can be accomplished accordance with the foregoing.

While all operations in connection with this system have been described with the assumption that boards of group 1 are to be posted/or blanked-out, it is to be understood that. boards offrgrou'p "2 may be posted or rblanked-outin the same manner, since each of the relays 81, 82; 83, 58,1, 92 and 93' have make contacts which are utilized tocontrol the selector switches and the impulse relays of rail boards in group 2; The

connections of these make contacts through. the:

group switch are l shown in the upper right corner oiaFig'. 3, while: the multiples of the group 1 boards are shown in the lower right corner of this same figure Similarly, all boards oib'oth groups can be posted or blanked out by proper positioningror the group switch so that circuits from both'the group 1 and the group 2 make contacts of the relays shown in Fig; 3 can be completed simultaneously. The only individual circuits extending from the control panel'to the individual boards of the two groups are the lamp circuits connected with'lamps l to l, inclusive, oi'group 1 and lamps 8 to 13, inclusive, of group 2% All other circuits between the control panel and 'the boards'of the variousgroups are arranged intnultiple in the two groups so that these boards can be posted simultaneously so far as the boards of eachgroup are concerned;

from the foregoing it will be seen that the present invention provides an indicating system which may comprise a single board, ora plurality 

